Quick Details

Minn Kota released the original PowerDrive trolling motor in 1987 and kicked off the electric steer era. Almost thirty years later that legacy continues with a full redesign for 2017 including the new and improved i-Pilot GPS system and Bluetooth smartphone functionality. The Riptide PowerDrive offers anglers the full range of Minn Kota features and options, all at an affordable price. This motor is a big seller for small to medium bay and flats boats.

Optional i-Pilot for Riptide PowerDrive motors offers unprecedented boat control with fixed heading and GPS trolling capabilities, including "Spot Lock" and "iTracks". Riptide PowerDrive's wireless CoPilot remote offers motor control from anywhere onboard. Combined with additional features such as Advanced Corrosion Protection, Digital Maximizer and a Weedless Propeller, Riptide PowerDrive is the full-featured motor that will take your fishing to a new level. To learn more, grab our FREE Trolling Motor Buyer's Guide.

Riptide PowerDrive 55 Full Details

Recommended for:

Small to Medium saltwater v-hull, flats, center console, and general fishing boats up to 21'. The 55 lbs thrust motor is recommended for boats weighing up to 2,750lbs. For more help picking the right thrust level - or to learn how much your boat weighs - please refer to our thrust guide.

How It's Unique

The Riptide PowerDrive series is a step-up from the Riptide SM line of motors. Compared to SM, Riptide PowerDrive offers electronic steering via a include Co-Pilot remote control or i-Pilot GPS powered remote control (vs. SM's hand control).

Riptide Terrova motors are a step-up from Riptide PowerDrive models and offer larger thrust options of 80 and 112 lbs. While both models are compatible with AutoPilot/CoPilot/i-Pilot accessories, only the Riptide Terrova line offers the ability to use a foot pedal AND a wireless CoPilot or i-Pilot controller simultaneously. For a better understanding of foot pedal compatibility, please see our Foot Pedal Compatibility Chart. For a comparison between the Riptide Terrova and Riptide PowerDrive motors please our Comparison Guide.

Water Type:

Saltwater and Freshwater

Shaft Length(s):

A shaft length of 48" or 54" is available for the Riptide PowerDrive 55. For help selecting a shaft length, please see our shaft guide.

Available Upgrades:

Mounting Details:

This motor is bolted directly to the bow of the boat using the included mounting hardware, and requires drilling into the boat for installation. Ideally, it's best to have access to the underside of the mounting platform in order to secure and fasten the bolting hardware. However, if accessing the underside is impossible you can use no access bolts to secure the motor from the top. For more information see our compatibility and mounting guides or download specific motor installation instructions and heading sensor instructions.

Mount Dimensions:

18 5/16" length x 7" width

Bolting Pattern:

Wiring Details:

Riptide PowerDrive 55 can be wired directly to the batteries, and can also be used in conjunction with a plug and receptacle for a cleaner, more professional installation that's easy to remove. To protect your motor from damage, a circuit breaker is also recommended but is not required for installation.

Pedal Cord Length:

What Is Included:

What Else Is Required:

1 Marine Battery, Battery Charger, Circuit Breaker (Recommended)

Amperage Draw:

50 amps at maximum speed

Motor Run Time:

Important Note: As you likely won't be running your trolling motor perpetually, the actual amount of on-the-water time a motor should allow will be substantially longer than times listed. Actual motor run time can vary depending on conditions (winds, waves, etc) and the type of battery used. Listed below are run-time estimates assuming a 100 amp hour rated battery. To learn more, please see our article on calculating motor run time.

20+ Hours: At slow, trolling speeds that draw 5 amps or less

4 Hours: Approx. run time with throttle 50% open

2 Hours: Approx. run time with the motor at full throttle

Stow and Deploy Method:

Riptide PowerDrive's Deploy-Assist lever makes it easy to deploy the motor by squeezing a lever, raising the shaft and deploying it into the water. When not in use, the shaft and head can be quickly removed from the water and laid on the deck for storage.

Motor Steering Method:

The motors is steered via the included Co-Pilot remote control which can control motor speed and direction. If the i-Pilot accessories are purchased, Riptide PowerDrive can also be controlled via GPS Remote and/or Bluetooth smartphone app. Note: The Riptide PowerDrive cannot support a foot pedal in conjunction with the Co-Pilot or i-Pilot remote systems. If you'd like to be able to use both a pedal and wireless remote simultaneously, you'll need to choose a Riptide Terrova motor.

Shaft Adjustment:

An adjustable depth collar makes it easy to set how deep the shaft and propeller sit in the water.

Motor Speed:

Manuals:

Warranty Period:

Two Years

Warranty Details:

The motor's composite shaft caries a lifetime guarantee. If it's ever broken - regardless of the circumstances - Minn Kota will replace it at no charge. The rest of the motor caries a two year warranty backed up by hundreds of local Minn Kota service centers across the country. View Details Here

Key west sk166

Whaler Montauk 150

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